Image of Chief Dr Fassy Yussuf Adetokun

A major stakeholder in Ijebu traditional affairs, Chief Dr Fassy Yussuf Adetokun, has declared that the conferment of the honorary title of Otunba does not disqualify or restrict any prince from contesting for the Awujale of Ijebuland stool.

Adetokun made this clarification during an interactive press conference held in Ijebu-Ode to address rising controversies surrounding the succession process following the death of the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON.

The late monarch joined his ancestors on July 13, 2025, after spending 65 years, three months and 11 days on the throne, one of the longest reigns in Nigerian traditional history.

Speaking at the forum, Adetokun said the engagement was organised to clear misconceptions, correct historical inaccuracies and ensure that the succession process is guided strictly by law, fairness and established tradition.

“I invited you as colleagues and stakeholders to discuss the issues concerning Ijebuland, especially after the demise of our revered monarch,” he said.

HISTORICAL BASIS OF SUCCESSION

Adetokun, who spoke in multiple capacities as Secretary of the Council of Chiefs, Vice Chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, and a legal practitioner, traced the succession framework to the 1957 Chieftaincy Declaration published in 1959 by the defunct Western Region.

According to him, the declaration recognises four ruling houses in Ijebuland and clearly outlines the rotational process for producing an Awujale.

He explained that following the death of Oba Daniel Robertson Adesanya in 1959, it became the turn of the Anikilaya Ruling House, which eventually produced Oba Sikiru Adetona, who was crowned on April 2, 1960.

“History is clear, documented and verifiable. Succession in Ijebuland is guided by declaration and law, not sentiments or social media narratives,” he said.

OTUNBA TITLE AND ELIGIBILITY

Addressing one of the most contentious issues, Adetokun dismissed claims that princes who hold the Otunba title are barred from ascending the throne.

“Otunba” is an honorary title. It is not an Afobaje title and it does not restrict anybody’s eligibility to the throne,” he said.

He explained that historically, Otunba titles existed long before modern interpretations and were never used as a disqualifying factor in royal succession.

“To suggest otherwise is to misrepresent history and mislead the public,” he added.

No Restriction on Nominations

Adetokun also clarified that ruling houses do not have the legal authority to restrict the number of contestants seeking the throne.

“The law does not empower us to limit nominations. It is not our responsibility,” he stated.

According to him, once candidates are nominated and seconded in line with the law, it becomes the duty of the kingmakers to screen and decide.

“The law says ‘candidate or candidates’. That number is infinitesimal. It can be as many as possible,” he said.

Funds Collection Allegations

Responding to allegations of money collection in the succession process, Adetokun maintained that his group did not collect any money from aspirants.

“My own group allowed free collection of forms and free submission,” he said.

He explained that while some voluntary donations were made for administrative purposes, the funds remain untouched.

“We have not touched a kobo. The money is intact. If anyone alleges bribery, let them bring proof and allow the law to take its course,” he said.

LEGAL CONCERNS AND COURT JUDGMENTS

Adetokun raised concerns over a Court of Appeal judgement that surfaced shortly after the demise of the Awujale, noting that the judgement was delivered months earlier but only became public days after the monarch’s death.

“As a lawyer, when I saw the document, I knew there were legal issues, including misjoinder of parties,” he said.

However, he noted that he advised reconciliation rather than prolonged litigation in order to prevent further division within the ruling house.

“Two captains cannot man a ship. That ship will capsize,” he said.

GENDER AND LINEAGE RIGHTS

On the issue of lineage, Adetokun insisted that discrimination against female lineage is unconstitutional.

“Whether you are from the male or female line, a prince is a prince and a princess is a princess,” he said.

He cited constitutional provisions and Supreme Court rulings which prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender, stressing that tradition must not override the Constitution.

“The Constitution is superior to any custom,” he added.

ADMISSION OF ERROR

In a moment of candour, Adetokun admitted that he made an error by endorsing a document without fully reviewing it.

“I accepted that I made a mistake by signing without reading. As a lawyer, if I discover an error, I can withdraw my signature and correct myself,” he said.

CALL FOR DUE PROCESS

He concluded by urging all stakeholders to allow due process, transparency and unity to guide the selection of the next Awujale.

“If anybody has taken a bribe, let the police, EFCC or ICPC do their job. We must not compromise this process,” he said.

Adetokun warned against personal attacks and misinformation, noting that he would not hesitate to seek legal redress against defamatory claims.

The interactive session ended with a call for calm across Ijebuland as the traditional institutions work towards producing a new Awujale in line with the law and long-established custom